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Apart (アパート・Apartment)

A type of rental housing. Apartments are typically built with wood or light gauge steel, or are prefabricated buildings. They are usually 1 to 2 storeys in height.

Terrace House

A type of rental housing in which multiple units stand in a row and have common dividing walls. Each unit has its own garden and terrace, hence the name. It is common for every unit to have 2 to 3 floors connected internally by stairs. In Japan, terrace houses typically have 2 units side by side, though there are also some places with 3 to 5 units in a row.

Share House

A type of housing where a single house is shared by multiple residents. Each resident has their own bedroom, but the kitchen, bathroom, toilet etc. are shared. Rent is generally cheaper compared to other types of rental housing, but there is less privacy and you have to be more considerate of others by following rules for the use of communal spaces.

1R

In Japanese housing abbreviations, "1R" stands for one room and is a type of room layout. It indicates a studio apartment with only one room that includes the kitchen and the bedroom.

1K

In Japanese housing abbreviations, "1K" is a type of room layout with one bedroom and a separate kitchen. Generally, rooms with a kitchen space less than 4.5-jo are designated as "1K", rooms with a kitchen space more than 4.5-jo are designated as "1DK", and rooms with a kitchen space over 8-jo are designated as "1LDK".

DK

In Japanese housing abbreviations, "DK" is a type of room layout with a space that serves as both dining room (D) and kitchen (K). "DK" is typically smaller compared to "LDK". The number that comes before "DK" or "LDK" indicates the number of bedrooms. In the case of a 1-bedroom apartment, a kitchen space between 4.5-jo and 8-jo is designated as "DK", and a kitchen space over 8-jo is designated as "LDK". In the case of apartments with 2 or more bedrooms, a kitchen space between 6-jo and 10-jo is designated as "DK", and a kitchen space over 10-jo is designated as "LDK".

LDK

In Japanese housing abbreviations, "LDK" is a type of room layout with a space that serves as living room (L), dining room (D) and kitchen (K). "LDK" is typically larger compared to "DK". The number that comes before "DK" or "LDK" indicates the number of bedrooms. In the case of a 1-bedroom apartment, a kitchen space between 4.5-jo and 8-jo is designated as "DK", and a kitchen space over 8-jo is designated as "LDK". In the case of apartments with 2 or more bedrooms, a kitchen space between 6-jo and 10-jo is designated as "DK", and a kitchen space over 10-jo is designated as "LDK".

Auto-lock Door

An electronic system that automatically locks doors. It is often used as a security system in the main entrance of rental apartments to prevent non-residents from entering the building. Residents can open the lock by using a key or card key, or entering a security code. When a visitor rings a specific room, the resident can check who it is through the video intercom, then open the auto-lock system from inside their room.

Electric Bidet (Washlet)

A device attached to a Western-style toilet that sprays warm water for cleansing. It is also sometimes known by the trademark names "Washlet" or "Shower Toilet".

Key Money(礼金・Reikin)

Money paid as a gift by the tenant to the landlord before moving in. Historically, this money was paid as a token of gratitude during a time when housing was in short supply. It is usually equivalent to 1 to 2 months rent and is non-refundable. Recently, there are also properties that do not require the payment of key money.